Toolmaker / Tool Designer - KZN

Requirements:

• Grade 12 / Matric certificate.
• Recognised Toolmaker / Tool, Jig and Die Maker trade test (Red Seal or merSETA certification preferred).
• N4-N6 qualification or National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering will be advantageous.
• Minimum of 5 years' practical experience in a production tool room, including tool manufacturing, maintenance and repairs.
• Proven experience working with plastic injection moulds, press tools and/or progressive dies.
• Strong understanding of general toolmaking principles and precision engineering.
• Proficiency in using precision measuring instruments.
• Experience in 3D CAD design using SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Cimatron or similar software.
• Practical experience with CNC milling, EDM (wire and sinker), surface grinding, cylindrical grinding and conventional tool room machinery.
• Knowledge of CAM programming using Mastercam, PowerMill or similar packages will be advantageous.
• Experience manufacturing, repairing, modifying, fitting and maintaining production tooling.
• Knowledge of mould-flow analysis or die-simulation software will be advantageous.
• Experience mentoring apprentices or supervising junior tool-room staff is advantageous.

Responsibilities:

• Design new plastic injection moulds and press/progressive dies using 3D CAD software.
• Develop tooling designs from product models through to detailed manufacturing drawings.
• Manufacture new tool components using CNC milling, EDM, grinding and conventional machining processes.
• Assemble, fit, test and commission tools to ensure components meet specified quality and dimensional requirements.
• Diagnose tooling faults and resolve technical issues to minimise production downtime.
• Perform preventive maintenance, repairs and modifications on existing production tools.
• Implement engineering changes and modify tooling to accommodate new product variants.
• Support production and engineering teams with tooling-related technical issues.
• Establish, organise and manage the tool room, including processes, equipment and maintenance systems.
• Assist in selecting and recommending appropriate machinery, CAD/CAM systems and tooling equipment.
• Develop internal tooling manufacturing capabilities as the department expands.
• Prepare tooling quotations and estimate labour, machining time and material costs for internal and external projects.
• Maintain accurate tooling documentation, including drawings, maintenance records, spare parts inventories and repair histories.
• Identify opportunities to improve tooling performance, tool life, production efficiency and product quality.
• Ensure that all tooling activities comply with engineering specifications, quality standards and health and safety requirements.
• Maintain a clean, safe and well-organised tool room.
• Train, guide and supervise apprentices and junior tool-room employees as the team develops.
• Work closely with the Engineering Manager, Managing Director and Production team to support operational objectives.
• Take responsibility for the technical development and long-term growth of the tool room.